Danco Coast, Gerlache Strait, Errera Channel, Andvord Bay & Neko Harbour
Those of us who awoke early this morning were treated to views of the spectacular palisade of nearly vertical mountains that comprise the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula. This area is known as the Danco Coast. We were sailing southward through the Gerlache Strait between Brabant Island and the mainland toward our morning objective, a continental landing at Spigot Point, when Expedition Leader Tim announced that some humpback whales could be seen just ahead of the ship. We spent a better part of an hour watching the two cow/calf pairs cavorting in close proximity to the bow.
After a quick breakfast we divided into two groups. While one went ashore and climbed the steep snow slope for a panoramic view and intimate views of chinstrap penguins, the others explored the coastline and followed more humpbacks by Zodiac. Around mid-morning the two groups switched places.
During lunch the National Geographic Explorer repositioned through the narrow and very scenic Errera Channel and into Andvord Bay. Captain Kruess nudged our ship’s bow very close to shore at place called Neko Harbour and we were ready to begin our afternoon’s activities. A more glorious day cannot be experienced at these latitudes. With bright sun, no wind and temperatures in the fifties we smeared areas of exposed skin with sunblock and went forth.
Half of us went ashore near the gentoo penguin colony to climb to the ridge top where we marveled at the breath-taking vista of Andvord Bay and its ring of tidewater glaciers. Many chose to slide back down a steep slope on the seat of their pants. Shrieks of glee from those sliding and the occasional rumble of distant avalanches were about the only sounds that broke the silence experienced by those of us who went off to explore the bay by kayak.
As the day draws to a close the snow covered peaks of Anvers Island took on the alpine glow.
